In 2002, Adamson left his long-term label, Mute Records, and started his own production home, Central Control International. In 2006, he released Stranger on the Sofa, first for his Central Control International imprint, to critical acclaim. Back To The Cat, his second album for the label, was released in March 2008.[2]

In 2007 it was announced that Magazine would re-form for concerts in 2008. Adamson took part in the same band line-up that recorded Secondhand Daylight, with the exception of the late John McGeoch, who was replaced by Apollo 440 member Noko. However, Adamson has since withdrawn from the reunion and new recordings.

On 27 August 2010, Adamson released "Rag and Bone", as a digital download and as a 12 inch vinyl record. He then released a studio album, I Will Set You Free, on 30 January 2012.[8]

Adamson rejoined the Bad Seeds for the release of their 2013 album, Push the Sky Away.

In the earliest Real Life Magazine videos, Adamson played a Rickenbacker JG, (although possibly a 4001 or 4003 model) and in Secondhand Daylight, a Gibson EB-3. However, his primary bass during Magazine was an Ovation Magnum 2. For the 2008 Magazine concerts, he alternated between the Ovation, a Fender Artist and a Fender Jaguar Bass.